MAHER strengthened its longstanding commitment to public health education and community responsibility by hosting a transformative World AIDS Day Awareness Program on 9th December 2025 at its KK Nagar Campus, Chennai. The event, conducted by the Department of Research and the National Service Scheme (NSS), saw the active participation of more than 200 students, reflecting strong student engagement in social awareness initiatives.
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. C. Sridhar presided over the program and felicitated the distinguished guests: Dr. Bosco Raja, Joint Director (Sexually Transmitted Infections), Tamil Nadu AIDS Control Society, Chennai, and Dr. G. Narendran, Senior Deputy Director & Scientist ‘F’, National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT), ICMR, Chennai. The program commenced with a welcome address by Associate Dean – Research, Dr. M. Preethi.
In the keynote session, Dr. Bosco Raja emphasized the global significance of World AIDS Day as recognised by the World Health Organization, underscoring the need for sustained awareness and preventive strategies. Dr. G. Narendran addressed prevalent social stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, elaborating on approaches to overcome such barriers and sharing valuable insights from clinical case experiences.
The event also featured the release of awareness pamphlets by Professor Dr. Pachamuthu Balakrishnan, Chief Scientist, and Professor Dr. N. Arunagirinathan, Dean – Research, along with the Vice Chancellor and the chief guests. Dr. Valli Nachiar, Dean – Publications, delivered the vote of thanks.
As a symbolic gesture of solidarity and awareness, students formed a red ribbon using red balloons, reinforcing the message of compassion, support, and collective responsibility in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
